The North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed a highway was closed Tuesday due to a crash.

Troopers said the incident occurred on Highway 74 near U.S. 23 and said the road will be blocked for "some time."

A FOX Carolina crew at the scene reported traffic blocked in both directions near Waynesville. Troopers said detours were being set up at Old Balsam and Exit 98.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety said a trooper was on scene of emergency traffic with lights and sirens activated at the time of the crash. Officials said a vehicle turned into the trooper's path and two individuals in the vehicle were killed.

According to officials, the civilians were in a van which made a U-turn into the trooper's lane.

They succumbed to injuries at the scene.

The trooper involved in the crash was transported to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He is a three-year veteran with the Highway Patrol.

The Department of Public Safety's reconstruction unit is conducting the investigation.

The following detours were established:

Motorists traveling westbound on US 74 are encouraged to exit onto US 19 and travel back to US 74.

Motorists traveling eastbound are encouraged to exit onto US 441 in Jackson County, travel to US 19 and then exit back to US 74.